North Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee is backing a campaign to prevent and tackle child sexual exploitation.
March 18 was National Child Sexual Exploitation day and, as part of this year’s campaign, pubs, clubs, restaurants, hotels, fast food outlets and taxi firms in North Lanarkshire are being encouraged to ask their staff to look out for, and report, any signs of child exploitation and abuse they see or suspect.
Marian Martin, chair of the North Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee, says recognising, preventing and tackling sexual exploitation requires everyone to work together. “We’re asking North Lanarkshire businesses – particularly those involved in the night-time economy – for their support,” she explained, “and we have produced information packs to raise awareness about what to look out for.”
If you spot something that doesn’t look or feel right, you can share your concerns by phoning the police on 101 or the Nightwatch Hotline. This is a collaboration between Crimestoppers and Barnardo’s to facilitate the reporting of concerns or intelligence regarding CSE. The number is 0800 389 0131 or you can report anonymously online here.